Get matched with top concrete finishing pros in Tuckerman, AR

A stamped concrete slab can last for around 50 years or more with proper care, although you’ll likely have to carry out repairs after around 25 years. Concrete is a highly durable material that stands up well to the elements, so stamped concrete is an outstanding option for a long-lasting landscaping feature that’s a bit more ornate than a standard concrete slab. Ensure your slab is the right thickness and is reinforced properly to avoid cracking. Hiring a professional will ensure your stamped concrete lasts for as long as possible.

You can pour concrete over asphalt if it’s in good condition, thick, stable, and well-compacted. Concrete is more durable than asphalt and can extend the lifetime of your driveway without having to pay frequent asphalt driveway repair costs or replace it completely. 

But this is best reserved as a temporary solution based on budget restraints, as asphalt requires more frequent repairs and assessments than concrete. Once that concrete top is poured, it’ll be harder to accurately understand what’s happening beneath that layer, which could lead to more issues.

Periodic sealing and cleaning to maintain appearance and integrity.

In most cases, you are good to stamp the concrete one or two hours after you pour it, but perform the thumb test mentioned above. You want the concrete to be dry enough so the stamps don’t sink, but wet enough that the stamps make a successful imprint. In general, this is a tricky question, as it also depends on the weather outside, the time of day, and the size of the poured concrete slab.